Tangle In Texas

Thursday will highlight the tangle in Texas between two of the featured nationally ranked teams from the MWC. The highly anticipated matchup at Amon G Carter Stadium (likely filled to capacity or 44,358 fans) in Fort Worth will be televised on VS with the game call from Joe Beninati while the analysis breakdown to be provided compliments of Glenn Parker (former Kansas City Chiefs OL who spanned a 12 yr career). It will be the 7th contest between the schools with the Cougars holding a 5-2 matchup record edge since the series began in 1987. The #8 ranked Cougars(6-0) will be coming into town in style carrying the nation's longest win streak at 16. The horned frogs (6-1) currently are among tops in the nation in numerous defensive categories. TCU is #1 at rushing defense at allowing opponents an average of 20.71 yards per game. Yes, only 20.71 yards per game. TCU even held then #1 Oklahoma to 25 hard fought rushing yards. The horned frogs also lead the nation in sacks and are 2nd overall in tackles for loss. The purple jerseys are even ranked 9th nationally at turnover margin. BYUs offensive machine averages over 320 yards per game. In a clash of the MWC titans something has to give. TCUs stingy defense or the Cougs high octane offense. Only one will emerge from the battlefield thursday victorious.

The horned frogs return a strong line that begins with senior center Blake Schlueter (6.3/284) who is a preseason All American on the Rimington Trophy Watch List and a four year starter. Blake is the strength of the OL and even holds the TCU weight room record in the squat for 870 pounds. At 6.3/317 left tackle Marshall Newhouse is a beast to contend with who is also the cousin of former NFL fullback Robert Newhouse. Newhouse was an honorable mention All MWC in 2007. Sophomore right tackle Marcus Cannon (6.5/350) is in his first year as a starter but was ranked 59th nationally as a prep lineman. Senior OL Giles Montgomery (6.5/295) has started in 20 consecutive games.

From the receiving corps is a sophomore home run threat named Jimmy Young (6.1/200) who leads TCU with 31 receptions. The tight end is Shae Reagan (6.4/261) who is actually a converted quarterback and a big play threat that can create matchup problems over the middle of the field. While the other wideout is Jeremy Kerley (5.10/185) a sizzling sophomore who also acts as the teams punt returner.

Last year more RBs were in the training room rather than on the field for much of the season. This year is a whole different picture rushing for an average of 233 yards per game (13th nationally). Among the arsenal of backs is Aaron Brown (6.1/195) a sensational senior and the Frogs 11th leading career rusher (over 2,200 yards) who has bounced back from a broken ankle last year suffered against UNLV. Most noticeable is Joseph Turner (6.1/225) a senior from Austin Texas who is on the Doak Award Watch List with 9 rushing TDs. Turner was also injured last season with an ACL injury in the Texas Bowl.

At QB its anyone's guess. The Cougs will have to prepare for both Andy Dalton (6.3/210 soph) and Marcus Jackson (6.1/215 JR). Dalton is the leading passer but has missed the last two games with a knee injury. Word is that Dalton will be available for thursdays mayhem matchup. Jackson is more of a scrambler who is also the frogs leading rusher.

After undergoing a DL face lift in the offseason the defensive trenches have become a strength. At nose tackle Cody Moore (6.1/292 SR) has started now 20 staight games with 7.5 tackles for losses including 4 sacks. Defensive tackle James Vess (6.3/290 SR) sat out last year for disciplinary reasons. Former HS tailback now left end Jerry Hughes (6.2/248 JR) tops TCU with 10 TFLs, 7 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries. Matt Panfil (6.2/245 SR) filled in for ole Tommy Blake while he battled personal problems last season. Panfil currently has 8 TFLs and 4.5 sacks on the year.

The LB corps is headlined with preseason All American and MWC Defensive POTY Jason Phillips (6.1/234 SR). As a converted fullback that first found the field as a redshirt freshman back in 2005 Phillips now has 34 tackles of which 8.5 TFLs this season (had 87 tackles last year). At the strong middle linebacker position Robert Hensen (6.1/228 SR) is a three time All MWC selection and has his name on the Butkus Award Watch List. Junior Daryl Washington might actually be TCUs most athletic player. On punts the Cougs better keep their eyes on him at all times. He had three blocked personally last year.

The frogs secondary lacked depth last season. Strong safety senior Stephen Hodge (6.0/230) is a physical preseason All American. At free safety Steven Coleman (6.3/204 SR) already has a team high three INTs. Sophomore WS Tejay Johnson (6.1/195) and CB Nick Sanders (5.10/174 JR) provide added experience. Sanders has 33 consecutive starts. The other CB Rafael Priest (5.10/163 JR) was an honorable mention All MWC last year. Both Sanders and Priest are three year starters.